Still under the occupation of Japan (which spanned from 1895 to 1945), Taiwan was at the onset of its transformation from an agrarian society to an industrialized economy. At that time, industry in Taiwan was on a rapid climb and many of its commercial ports, such as the one in Twa-Tiu-Tiann in the north, were often crowded with foreign cargo ships preparing to deliver tea leaves and other goods to various points around the world.

Although most people were focused on making ends meet, a movement for a self-ruled Taiwan was quietly brewing at the grassroots level. This period saw the rise of several prominent anticolonial freedom fighters, most notably Dr. Chiang Wei-shui, a founder of the Taiwanese Cultural Association, who spearheaded the fight for Taiwan’s independence against Japanese colonial rulers.

“This is a segment of Taiwan’s history that every Taiwanese person should know,” says Mr. Yeh, who has ancestral roots in Twa-Tiu-Tiann as far back as four generations. “Without the toil and sacrifice of these people who have come before us, Taiwan probably would have been very different.”

When Mr. Yeh was a child, his grandparents told him stories of Twa-Tiu-Tiann’s glorious past. It was where aspiring actors sought fame, artists looked for inspiration, and merchants came to seek their fortunes. Listening to these tales, he says, often left him imagining what life was like during this volatile and unpredictable — yet exciting — period.

“The purpose of the movie is not only to make people laugh, but to tell the stories of these unsung heroes who risked their lives for the welfare of posterity,” he says. “I know for many people life is hard now because the economy is struggling, but the people of Taiwan should have the faith and confidence that by standing united our future can be full of hope.”

“Twa-Tiu-Tiann” opens with a goofy history professor (veteran comedian Chu Ke-liang) and one of his lackadaisical students, Jack (Chris Wang), falling into a time warp that takes them back nearly 100 years to bustling Twa-Tiu-Tiann. But Professor P has a selfish purpose — to visit Ginger, the beautiful fabric-shop owner whom he adores. Ginger (Sonia Sui) has a tragic past: She comes off as strong, but beneath the tough exterior is a broken-hearted mother who frequents an opium den to reconnect with her deceased son in her hallucinated state.

While the professor treasures living in the past, Jack is frustrated and eager to return to the present day — until the inevitable: He falls in love with a patriotic young geisha named Rose (Jian Shu-man), who is a member of Dr. Chiang’s underground movement. Moved by the group’s determination to free Taiwan from Japan’s grip, Jack joins the cause and helps Dr. Chiang to escape from prison.

Mr. Yeh gleefully weaves slap-stick comedy with historical details, such as when Dr. Chiang leads a group of protestors to petition Japanese Crown Prince Hirohito for Taiwan independence during his royal visit in 1923. Although Japanese officials are portrayed as oppressors, Mr. Yeh is quick to point out that his movie isn’t anti-Japanese. Instead, he wants people in power to think twice about how to best execute the responsibility and leadership positions that have been entrusted to them.

The message, he says, is that as long as people stand united, even underdogs can shape policies and influence leaders — a subject that underlies his 2011 hit, “Night Market Hero.”

Similar to the 2013 chart-topping comedy “Zone Pro Site: The Moveable Feast,” a romantic-comedy set in Taiwan’s open-air catering business, the humor in “Twa-Tiu-Tiann” is local and aimed for Taiwanese-speaking audiences. Still, it is scheduled to be distributed in Singapore and Malaysia later this year.

Some critics have praised “Twa-Tiu-Tiann,” which opened Jan. 30, as soul-stirring and emotionally uplifting, while others complained of a weak script and said it takes liberties with historical events.

But Mr. Yeh has higher intentions.

“I want to make people laugh, but I also want to pique people’s interest to explore Taiwan’s past,” Mr. Yeh says. “If only one person decides to research Taiwan’s history after watching this movie, then I consider the film a success.”

Comments (1 of 1)

I saw this film during Chinese New Year in Taiwan and was very much entertained with laughs and tears. The talented director put the history in a very unique humorous way that was hardly seen before. Great job!